Data Connection Setting Application

ABSTRACT

A method for configuring access point network settings using a data connection setting application operating on a wireless device is disclosed. The data connection setting application is operable to accesses settings configuration and data from a memory and/or a SIM card, and compare it with wireless network requirements to determine whether the settings need to be reconfigured. Based on the determination, the data connection setting application can enable the display of instructions to a user and provide tools to fill in information required to reconfigure the wireless device according to wireless network requirements for the specific wireless device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/008,039 filed Jan. 27, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,019,472, issued May25, 2021; which application claims the benefit from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/106,986 filed on Jan. 23, 2015, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure generally relates to a configurationapplication for a wireless device and, more particularly, relates to amethod and system for a data connection setting application installed ona wireless device.

BACKGROUND

A large number of wireless service plans exist for customers desiringwireless services such as data, talk, text messaging, and the like. Toobtain these wireless services, customers generally have the option ofentering into a post-paid service, e.g., contract for a period of time,or a pre-paid, contract-free service with a wireless provider. Thelatter offers customers the freedom to initiate and stop wirelessservices without incurring expensive cancellation fees associated with apost-paid service.

Companies that provide post-paid wireless services are wireless carriersor Mobile Network Operators (MNO) that maintain and control their ownwireless networks. A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is awireless communications services provider that does not own the wirelessnetwork infrastructure over which the MVNO provides services to itscustomers. An MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobilenetwork operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesalerates, then sets retail prices independently.

The services provided by both the MNOs and MVNOs often implementsubscriber identity module cards, also commonly known as subscriberidentification module (SIM) cards, to identify and authenticatesubscribers on wireless devices. These SIM cards store network specificinformation used to authenticate and identify subscribers on one or morewireless networks. Generally network specific information contained inSIM cards can include one or more of a Network Identifier, a MobileCountry Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), an ICCID, an IMSI, anAuthentication Key, a Local Area Identity, and an Operator-SpecificEmergency Number. The SIM also stores other carrier-specific data suchas the SMSC (Short Message Service Center) number, Service Provider Name(SPN), Service Dialing Numbers (SDN), Advice-Of-Charge parameters andValue Added Service (VAS) applications which can function for the saleand activation and/or addition of a wireless service, e.g. talk airtime,data, or text messaging.

Traditionally, most wireless devices (e.g. cellular phones) weregenerally configured to be compatible with a particular wirelessprovider's network only. This was done by configuring the settings of awireless device for a specific network configured SIM card withidentifiers and networks codes that would limit the wireless device'sconnectivity to that specific network and/or provide connectivity toother networks only with control of that specific wireless network.

More recently, some wireless providers have allowed customers to bringtheir own wireless device and/or transfer their existing telephonenumber to their networks. This option allows customers to switchwireless providers without the burden and cost of having to purchase anew wireless device. Further, customers are generally no longer limitedto certain brands or model numbers for a particular network and cangenerally choose other brands and models that had been limited to aparticular wireless network. To achieve this however, customers must gothrough a series of steps to change data connection settings, i.e., tomodify the phone to operate on the desired network, so that the specificwireless device can function with the network of the selected wirelessprovider. The configuration steps can greatly differ depending on thewireless device and the provider.

Convenience, timeliness, and reliability of the wireless providers'systems are key factors that play into a user's experience. Bydeveloping a system to improve at least these factors, a more positiveexperience can be provided to the user. The improved experience willhelp retain customer base and increase the number of customers willingto purchase wireless services from particular MNOs and MVNOs. In orderto do so, the following various needs must be addressed by enabling newimproved systems that can be implemented to configure wireless devicesfor the activation of a wireless service by a wireless provider.

A need exists to decrease the steps required for customers to transfertheir wireless device to a different wireless network. In particular, asolution for a simplified and safe way to configure wireless devices isdesired.

Another need in the art also exists for an error free and more expedientmethod and system for customers to transfer their wireless devices to aparticular network.

A further need exists in the art for a method, system and application toenable customers to transfer their wireless devices in convenientlocations, including transient locations, in an expedited manner. Forexample, without the need to visit a physical location or call customersupport to transfer the wireless device which can be time consuming forthe subscriber and not available at any time. Further, using a websiteto purchase additional usage requires that the subscriber recalls orsearches for the address of the website and navigates through a seriesof webpages.

Accordingly, a more convenient, secure, and time efficient approach isneeded for transferring wireless devices to specific networks.

SUMMARY

Currently, many wireless devices can download applications specific tothe operating system of the wireless device to perform a multitude oftasks, such as playing games, editing documents, checking email, andpurchasing goods and/or services. Such applications are readilyaccessible on home pages of the wireless devices and enable a user ofthe wireless device to quickly perform popular functionalities.According to one aspect of the disclosure, the user can securelytransfer his/her wireless device to a particular network in an expeditedmanner by using a mobile application that can facilitate theconfiguration of specific network settings according to the wirelessdevice upon the replacement of a SIM card in the wireless device.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method for programmingaccess point name settings using an application operating on a wirelessdevice is disclosed. The method including: receiving, at the applicationoperating on the wireless device, data associated with the access pointname settings correlated to one or both of the wireless device and awireless provider; accessing wireless device settings using theapplication operating on the wireless device; determining, using theapplication operating on the wireless device, that the data received andthe accessed wireless device settings are not compatible; and enablingpresentation, on a display of the wireless device and using theapplication operating on the wireless device, instructions to a user fora change of one or more settings of the wireless device.

According to additional aspects of the disclosure, a wireless devicecomprising at least one processor in communication with at least onememory, configured to: receive, at an application operating on thewireless device and from a SIM card replaced on the wireless device,data correlated to one or both of the wireless device and a wirelessprovider; access, using the application operating on the wirelessdevice, settings information associated with the wireless device;determine, using the application operating on the wireless device, thatthe data received and the settings information accessed are notcompatible without modification of the settings associated with thewireless device; and enable presentation, on a display of the wirelessdevice and using the application operating on the wireless device,instructions to a user for a change of one or more settings of thewireless device, is disclosed.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain aspects of thedisclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects ofthe disclosure that will be described below and which will also form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one aspect of the disclosurein detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited inits application to the details of construction and to the arrangementsof the components set forth in the following description or illustratedin the drawings. The disclosure is capable of aspects in addition tothose described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the disclosure. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above mentioned features and aspects of the disclosure will becomemore apparent with reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device thatmay implement an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary wireless device that may implement anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram showing the connectivity betweena wireless device, a plurality of mobile network operators, and a mobilevirtual network operator that may implement an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary data setting database structureaccording to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIGS. 5 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation ofinstructions displayed to a user for the configuration of the settingsusing the data connection setting application according to an aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary process fordisplaying wireless device settings information to a user on a wirelessdevice according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary process forconfiguring settings on a wireless device according to received SIM carddata according to an aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this specification and claims it is to be understood that referenceto a wireless device is intended to encompass electronic devices such asmobile phones, tablet computers, gaming systems, MP3 players, personalcomputers, PDAs, and the like. A “wireless device” is intended toencompass any compatible mobile technology computing device that canconnect to a wireless communication network, such as mobile phones,mobile equipment, mobile stations, user equipment, cellular phones,smartphones, handsets, or the like (e.g., Apple iPhone, Google Androidbased devices, BlackBerry based devices, other types of PDAs orsmartphones), wireless dongles, remote alert devices, or other mobilecomputing devices that may be supported by a wireless network. The term“wireless device” may be interchangeably used and referred to herein as“wireless handset,” “handset,” “mobile device,” “device,” “mobilephones,” “mobile equipment,” “mobile station,” “user equipment,”“cellular phone,” “smartphones,” “monitoring device” or “phone.” Withrespect to remote alert devices, data transmission over a wirelessnetwork, including on a pre-paid basis using a SIM card, is contemplatedfor alarm fobs, wireless remote camera devices, vehicle monitoringsystems, home based security systems that don't require a landline oruse both a landline and a wireless network for added reliability, andsimilar systems where the wireless device can require programmingspecific for the wireless network selected.

Wireless devices may connect to a “wireless network” or “network” andare intended to encompass any type of wireless network to obtain orprovide mobile phone services through the use of a wireless device, suchas the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network,Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network or communication channel asdefined herein that may utilize the teachings of the present applicationto sell, activate, monitor, and/or redeem wireless services by providingfor the setting of wireless device parameters for a selected network.

Reference in this specification to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “otheraspects,” “one or more aspects” or the like means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theaspect is included in at least one aspect of the disclosure. Theappearances of, for example, the phrase “in one aspect” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame aspect, nor are separate or alternative aspects mutually exclusiveof other aspects. Moreover, various features are described which may beexhibited by some aspects and not by others. Similarly, variousrequirements are described which may be requirements for some aspectsbut not for other aspects.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device.Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary wireless deviceis illustrated. As previously mentioned, the wireless device 10 can beany mobile technology computing device that connects to a wirelesscommunication network such as, for example, a mobile phone, a wirelesshandset, a wireless dongle, user equipment, a mobile station, a wirelesssecurity device, or the like. The wireless device 10 includes a display12, an input device 14, a transceiver 16, a processor 18, a memory 20,and may include a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (“UICC”) orSubscriber Identity Module (“SIM”) card hereinafter SIM card 22. In someimplementations, the SIM card 22 can be removably received within a cardslot in the wireless device 10 and can include internal SIM memory 24.The SIM card 22 can store identification information such as anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), a key used toidentify and authenticate subscribers using the wireless device 10, aunique serial number (ICCID), an international mobile subscriberidentity (IMSI), security authentication, ciphering information,information related to a network, list of services the user has accessto, unlocking pins, and the like. In a wireless device 10 that does notutilize a SIM card 22, similar data may be stored in the memory 20. TheSIM card 22 can be configured to be transferred between differentwireless devices 10.

The processor 18 is capable of processing instructions for executionwithin the wireless device 10. For example, the processor 18 can processinstructions stored in the memory 20 to display graphical information onthe display 12 and/or to transmit or receive data using the transceiver16. In some implementations, the processor 18 can process applicationinstructions to display a data connection setting application on thedisplay 12 upon the replacing of the SIM card 22. In a wireless device10 that does not utilize a SIM card 22, the data connection settingapplication may be executed manually or otherwise.

The processor 18 can be a single-threaded processor or a multi-threadedprocessor. The memory 20 can include, for example, volatile ornon-volatile random access memory (“RAM”) and/or read only memory(“ROM”). The display 12, input device 14, transceiver 16, processor 18,and memory 20 within the wireless device 10 can communicate through aninternal bus 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary wireless device. Referring now to FIG.2, an exemplary wireless device is illustrated. The wireless device 10may include a display 12 that is a screen that can be touch sensitive.The input device 14 can include one or more of a keypad (not shown), atrackball (not shown), selectable buttons (not shown), a touch screen 34having selectable regions, or the like. The wireless device 10 may alsoinclude an antenna (not shown) coupled to the transceiver 16 tofacilitate the transmission and receipt of communications by thewireless device 10. A card slot 36 may be used for placement of a SIMcard 22 and may be located, for example, on the side of the wirelessdevice or behind the battery. Circuitry located inside the card slot 36can provide electrical communication between the SIM card 22 and thewireless device 10 processor 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram showing the connectivity betweena wireless device, a plurality of mobile network operators, and a mobilevirtual network operator. Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagramshowing the connectivity between a wireless device 10, a plurality ofmobile network operators (“MNO”) networks 302 and 304, and a mobilevirtual network operator (“MVNO”) cloud 306 is illustrated. The MVNOcloud 306 may include a wireless data activation system 350 thatincludes one or more databases with wireless device 10 configurationrequirements. Accordingly, when a wireless device 10 is replaced with anew SIM card 22, i.e., customer seeks to activate a wireless device 10needing wireless configuration, the settings of the wireless device 10may need to be correlated to the wireless provider's networks 302, 304,and/or the SIM card 22 for activation.

Although two MNO networks 302 and 304 are illustrated in FIG. 3, anynumber of MNO networks can be available. The wireless device 10 mayconnect to one of the MNO networks 302 and 304 depending on thegeographic location of the wireless device 10, the availability of theMNO networks 302 and 304, and/or the service contract associated withthe wireless device 10. The MNO networks 302 and 304 can be any type ofwireless network, such as a cellular data network, e.g., a Global Systemfor Mobile Communication (“GSM”) network, a Code-Division MultipleAccess (“CDMA”) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(“UMTS”) network, an Evolution-Data Optimized (“EV-DO”) network, a LTEnetwork, a wireless local network, a wide area network, or the like.

In some implementations, for example, a wireless subscriber purchases awireless communications plan from a MVNO and elects to bring a wirelessdevice 10 that was previously set for a different wireless network.Although the MVNO can be a wireless operator that typically does not ownits own frequency spectrum or have its own network infrastructure andthe MVNOs contract for the right to access a wireless communicationsnetwork owned by a MNO, the user may buy that access and use thewireless communication network after the wireless device 10 is modifiedwith settings 310 for use with the MNO network. Settings 310 may beconfigured according to the network with the use of the data connectionsetting application 312 functioning as described throughout the presentdescription. For example, to be able to bring their own wireless device10, users may need to reconfigure the settings 310 of the wirelessdevice 10 so that the device can function according to the SIM card 22,which can contain information corresponding to the MVNO's operatingsystem.

The MVNO cloud 306 can be one or more of dedicated hardware, applicationspecific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, computers, andservers including one or more processors and one or more memories. Thewireless data activation system 350 can be implemented as one or more ofsoftware and hardware and may manage the services provided by the MVNOto the wireless subscribers. In some implementations, the wireless dataactivation system 350 provides and/or enables at least some of thefunctions of the data connection setting application 312.

Settings 310 can be correlated, for example, to communicate with atracking module (not shown) which may also be used to identify thewireless device 10 and/or the particular wireless subscriber using thewireless device 10 by transmitting identification information with thewireless device 10 and/or the wireless subscriber. For example, theidentification information can include an identification number for thewireless subscriber or an identification number for the SIM card 22associated with the wireless subscriber, such as an Integrated CircuitCard Identification (“ICCID”), Electronic Serial Number (“ESN”),International Mobile Equipment Identity (“IMEI”), International MobileSubscriber Identity (“IMSI”), Local Area Identity (“LAI”), or the like.The identification information can be specific to allow the MVNO toidentify the wireless device 10 and/or wireless subscriber.

In some implementations, to avoid compromising the integrity of theidentification information and the usage information, the informationtransmitted can be stored in a secure memory 20 of the wireless device10 and/or encrypted according to settings required by the networkprovider. For example, the identification and usage information can beprovided to the tracking module in encrypted form and/or according to aspecific network protocol.

The data connection setting application 312 may be a softwareapplication that can enable simplified configuring of settings 310 ofthe wireless device 10 according to the MNO network 302. For example,settings configuration may be required depending on the wireless device10 for usage of wireless services, activate data transmission, changehis/her wireless communications plan from the MVNO, purchase additionalusage of wireless services from the MVNO, access other applications fordownload and/or purchase, purchase and/or receive information oninternational wireless services, receive customer service includingreal-time troubleshooting services, find retailers, receive informationon promotions from the MVNO, receive advertisements from the MVNO, andthe like.

The data connection setting application 312 included in the wirelessdevice 10 may be pre-installed or post-installed on the wireless device10 and can be updated over time using Over The Air (“OTA”) programmingor non-OTA programming. For example, the wireless subscriber using thewireless device 10 can choose to install the data connection settingapplication 312 on the wireless device 10 at any time using a local areanetwork connection (e.g. WI-FI connection). The data connection settingapplication 312 may be stored or executed on, for example, the memory20, the internal SIM memory 24, dedicated hardware, application specificintegrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and/or the processor 18of the wireless device 10. The data connection setting application 312may be specific to and run by the operating system of the wirelessdevice 10.

In one exemplary implementation, the data connection setting application312 may be used to receive wireless device settings. The settings may bereceived from a user, through an interface, or may be previouslyrecorded and transmitted, for example, from the memory 20. The wirelessdevice settings information may be forwarded, through the dataconnection setting application 312, to the service provider. The serviceprovider may determine, through a test protocol, whether the wirelessdevice 10 settings correspond to the particular wireless device 10 beingactivated. Depending on whether the wireless device 10 needs additionalprogramming, the service provider may enable additional actions, suchas, additional programming to allow transfer of the particular wirelessdevice 10. Other additional actions may include, for example, sendingdatabase updates that correspond to the wireless device 10 to the dataconnection setting application 312.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary data setting database structure.Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary data setting database structure400 is illustrated. In particular, the data setting database 400includes an exemplary set of information necessary to setup the data ofan ANDROID™ operating system (“OS”) wireless device 10. The disclosurecontemplates application with other types of operating systems and othertypes of wireless devices and accordingly the information is merelyexemplary and may be modified as needed.

The data setting database structure 400 may include a data type field402 and a data field 404. Although one data field 404 is illustrated inFIG. 4 corresponding to a single wireless device 10, any number of datafields can be stored in the data setting database structure 400depending on the manufacturer and/or type of device. Other wirelessdevices including different OS types requiring setup may include, forexample an Apple™ iOS™ operating system, a Google™ Android™ operatingsystem, a RIM™ Blackberry™ operating system, a Nokia™ Symbian™ operatingsystem, a Microsoft™ Windows Mobile™ operating system, a Microsoft™Windows Phone™ operating system, a Linux™ operating system or the like.

For some of the OS, settings may include but are not limited to theexemplary data included in entries 406-434. Any alphanumeric data can bestored in the entries 406-434 depending on what is required to configurethe specific wireless device's settings for the activation of wirelessservices. As represented, name 406, APN 408, MMS Protocol 426,Authentication Type 432, and APN Type 434, may be entries that requirecorresponding settings according to the specific wireless networkselected by the user. In the present example, the corresponding settingscan be provided by a MVNO provider for an Android OS using the dataconnection setting application 312. The settings may be stored in adatabase and transmitted to the data connection setting application 312or alternatively form part of the application. Alternatively, the Proxy410, Port 412, Username 414, Password 416, Server 418, MMSC 420, MMSProxy 422, MMS Port 424, MCC 428, and MNC 430 entries may be advancedsettings that require some user input for configuration. Although userinput may be required for some of the settings, the application can beconfigured to be engaged and facilitate copying and pasting ofinformation and/or storing and transposing settings informationpreviously entered. In some aspects, the data connection settingapplication 312 may also provide default settings according to thewireless network, wireless device type, and/or wireless service beingactivated for those advanced settings.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of instructionsdisplayed to a user for the configuration of the settings using the dataconnection setting application according to the disclosure. Referringnow to FIG. 5, exemplary instructions 500 displayed to a user for theconfiguration of the settings using the data connection settingapplication 312 are depicted in graphical representation 500. Accordingto some aspects of the disclosure, the instructions 500 may be tailoredto a specific wireless device and network by the data connection settingapplication 312. Implementations of aspects of the disclosure caninclude but are not limited to the specific instructions 502-538presented. For example, the exemplary specific instructions 502-538 maycorrespond to the manual setting of a WINDOWS MOBILE 8™ wireless device10 and enabled by the data connection setting application 312 to bepresented on a display 12. In some aspects, the instructions 502-538 mayadditionally or alternatively be narrated using a speaker of thewireless device 10.

Instructions 502-538 may be presented as steps or as a list. Moreover,instructions to tap may be contemplated for touch screen devices thatmay serve as a user interface. However, for other wireless devices 10, akeyboard may be used alternatively instructing the user to press and/orselect an option. Further, in some aspects, the data connection settingapplication 312 may enable the user to provide settings selections byspeaking into a microphone of the wireless device 10. In additionalaspects, the data connection setting application 312 may providesuggested inputs based on previously recorded and/or downloadedinformation. In yet additional aspects, the data connection settingapplication 312 may also allow the user to copy and paste selections,for example from a user's preferences database or from the wirelessprovider, to facilitate and ensure accuracy of the entries.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary process fordisplaying wireless device setting information to a user on a wirelessdevice according to the disclosure. Referring now to FIG. 6, anexemplary process for displaying wireless device settings information ona wireless device 10 to a user is depicted in a flowchart 600. Inparticular, steps to enable displaying of information by the dataconnection setting application 312 in accordance to aspects of thepresent disclosure. At step 601, the data connection setting application312 can access one or both of: network specifications and wirelessdevice specifications. Accessing of specifications may occur, forexample, after a SIM card has been replaced in a wireless device 10,once the wireless device is powered on, and/or upon selection by a user.

At step 605, settings of the wireless device 10 may be accessed from amemory 20 in communication with the processor 18 executing the dataconnection setting application 312. Settings of the wireless device mayinclude but are not limited to access point name settings received fromthe SIM card 22 loaded on the wireless device. In some aspects, othersettings may be previously stored and retrieved from a memory 20 incommunication with the processor 18 of the wireless device 10. At leastsome of the access point name settings may be downloaded automaticallyfrom the SIM card 22 and/or the memory 20, after the SIM card 22 isinserted into the wireless device 10 or the wireless device 10 is firstpowered on, for example.

At step 610, a determination of whether the accessed settings of thewireless device 10 are compatible with the wireless devicespecifications for the network selected is made. The determination maybe made by matching access point settings accessed to a predetermineddatabase specific to the wireless device specifications for thatwireless network. The database may form part of the data connectionsetting application 312. In some aspects, the database may be “in thecloud” and only accessed by the application for the compatibilitydetermination. At step 615, if it is determined that the network andwireless device specifications are compatible with the settings, thedata connection setting application may do nothing or present the userwith an indication that the wireless device 10 is ready for use.

Alternatively, at step 620, when a determination that the accessedsettings are not compatible with the wireless device specifications forthe wireless network is made, the data connection setting application312 can generate and/or enable a display of instructions on a display 12of the wireless device 10. Instructions displayed can direct a user todo one or more of: download updates, copy and paste information toconfigure the access point name settings, make a selection using aninterface by entering, tapping, clicking, pressing, and the like, speaka selection into a speaker, and answer preference questions. Actions bythe user may then be used to configure new adjusted settings accordingto the wireless device provider's requirements for that specificwireless device.

At step 625, the adjusted settings can be received by the dataconnection setting application. In some aspects, the application may runtest protocols to confirm that the adjusted settings are compatible forthe selected wireless provider. At step 630, the access point namesettings are configured/saved into the wireless device for use.Optionally, after the settings are configured, an indication that thewireless device is ready for use on the selected network may be providedto the user. The indication may include the display of a message, asound, a vibration, or a combination thereof, according to the user'spreferences.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary process forconfiguring settings on a wireless device according to received SIM carddata according to the disclosure. Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart700 showing an exemplary process for configuring settings on a wirelessdevice according to received SIM card data is shown. In particular, theflowchart 700 includes steps that can enable certain aspects of thepresent disclosure. Beginning at step 705, the user may download thedata connection setting application 312 onto the wireless device 10. Itcan be preferred that the data connection setting application bedownloaded by the user and not be pre-loaded as this can allow the dataconnection setting application 312 to be specific for a particularwireless network reducing the amount of information it must process andtherefore occupying less space in the memory 20. At step 710, data canbe transmitted from the SIM card to the downloaded data connectionsetting application 312. The SIM card can store network specificinformation used to authenticate and identify subscribers on one or morewireless networks. Generally network specific information contained inSIM cards can include the ICCID, IMSI, Authentication Key, Local AreaIdentity, and Operator-Specific Emergency Number. The SIM also storesother carrier-specific data such as the SMSC (Short Message ServiceCenter) number, Service Provider Name (SPN), Service Dialing Numbers(SDN), Advice-Of-Charge parameters and Value Added Service (VAS)applications which can function for the sale and activation and/oraddition of a wireless service, e.g. talk airtime, data, or textmessaging.

At step 715, the transmitted data may be compared with the wirelessdevice settings. At step 720, the comparison can be used to determinewhether the configuration settings are acceptable for use or needreadjusting of the configuration settings. If readjusting of thesettings is needed, the data connection setting application 312 may beused to reconfigure the settings according to the previously describedsystems and steps.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the claims. For example, the wirelessdevice 10 may not utilize a UICC or SIM card 22. The wireless device 10may operate using any mobile operating system. The internally storedrules of operation of the wireless device 10 may be changed togetherwith other wireless devices via a broadcast message received from theMVNO.

Although for the sake of clarity and simplicity, exemplaryimplementations of the disclosure are described in terms of a wirelessdevice 10 used in a MVNO communications system, it should be understoodthat the disclosure is not limited to these exemplary implementations.Accordingly, other implementations are also within the scope of thisapplication.

The disclosure as described herein decreases the steps required forcustomers to transfer their wireless device to a different wirelessnetwork. In particular, the disclosure provides a solution for asimplified and safe way to configure wireless devices. Additionally, thedisclosure provides for an error free and more expedient method andsystem for customers to transfer their wireless devices to a particularnetwork. Furthermore, the disclosure provides a method, system andapplication to enable customers to transfer their wireless devices inconvenient locations, including transient locations, in an expeditedmanner. For example, without the need to visit a physical location orcall customer support to transfer the wireless device which can be timeconsuming for the subscriber and not available at any time. Finally, thedisclosure provides a more convenient, secure, and time efficientapproach for transferring of wireless devices to specific networks.

It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to particularsystems or processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular implementations only, and is not intended to belimiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a wireless device 10”includes two or more wireless devices.

Aspects of the disclosure may include a server executing an instance ofan application or software configured to accept requests from a clientand giving responses accordingly. The server may run on any computerincluding dedicated computers. The computer may include at least oneprocessing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU), and someform of memory. The processing element may carry out arithmetic andlogic operations, and a sequencing and control unit may change the orderof operations in response to stored information. The server may includeperipheral devices that may allow information to be retrieved from anexternal source, and the result of operations saved and retrieved. Theserver may operate within a client-server architecture. The server mayperform some tasks on behalf of clients. The clients may connect to theserver through the network on a communication channel as defined herein.The server may use memory with error detection and correction, redundantdisks, redundant power supplies and so on.

Reference to “one implementation,” “some implementations,” “otherimplementations,” or “one or more implementations” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the implementation is included in at least one implementation butnot necessarily in the same implementation or separate implementationsthat are mutually exclusive. Moreover, various features may be exhibitedby some implementations and not by other implementations. Similarly,various requirements are described that may be requirements for someimplementations but not other implementations.

Aspects of the disclosure may include communication channels that may beany type of wired or wireless electronic communications network, suchas, e.g., a wired/wireless local area network (LAN), a wired/wirelesspersonal area network (PAN), a wired/wireless home area network (HAN), awired/wireless wide area network (WAN), a campus network, a metropolitannetwork, an enterprise private network, a virtual private network (VPN),an internetwork, a backbone network (BBN), a global area network (GAN),the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, an overlay network, Near fieldcommunication (NFC), a cellular telephone network, a PersonalCommunications Service (PCS), using known protocols such as the GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA (Code-Division MultipleAccess), GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, Long TermEvolution (LTE), 5G (5th generation mobile networks or 5th generationwireless systems), WiMAX, HSPA+, W-CDMA (Wideband Code-Division MultipleAccess), CDMA2000 (also known as C2K or IMT Multi-Carrier (IMT-MC)),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and/or the like, and/or acombination of two or more thereof. The NFC standards covercommunications protocols and data exchange formats, and are based onexisting radio-frequency identification (RFID) standards includingISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa. The standards include ISO/IEC 18092[3] andthose defined by the NFC Forum.

Aspects of the disclosure may be web-based. For example, a server mayoperate a web application in conjunction with a database. The webapplication may be hosted in a browser-controlled environment (e.g., aJava applet and/or the like), coded in a browser-supported language(e.g., JavaScript combined with a browser-rendered markup language(e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and/or the like)) and/or thelike such that any computer running a common web browser (e.g., InternetExplorer™, Firefox™, Chrome™, Safari™ or the like) may render theapplication executable. A web-based service may be more beneficial dueto the ubiquity of web browsers and the convenience of using a webbrowser as a client (i.e., thin client). Further, with inherent supportfor cross-platform compatibility, the web application may be maintainedand updated without distributing and installing software on each.

Additionally, the various aspects of the disclosure may be implementedin a non-generic computer implementation. Moreover, the various aspectsof the disclosure set forth herein improve the functioning of the systemas is apparent from the disclosure hereof. Furthermore, the variousaspects of the disclosure involve computer hardware that it specificallyprogrammed to solve the complex problem addressed by the disclosure.Accordingly, the various aspects of the disclosure improve thefunctioning of the system overall in its specific implementation toperform the process set forth by the disclosure and as defined by theclaims.

As previously stated, the disclosure may be implemented in any type ofmobile smartphones that are operated by any type of advanced mobile dataprocessing and communication operating system, such as, e.g., an Apple™iOS™ operating system, a Google™ Android™ operating system, a RIM™Blackberry™ operating system, a Nokia™ Symbian™ operating system, aMicrosoft™ Windows Mobile™ operating system, a Microsoft™ Windows Phone™operating system, a Linux™ operating system or the like.

Further in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation with dedicatedhardware implementations including, but not limited to, wirelessdevices, PCs, PDAs, semiconductors, application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC), programmable logic arrays, cloud computing devices, andother hardware devices constructed to implement the methods describedherein.

It should also be noted that the software implementations of thedisclosure as described herein are optionally stored on a tangiblestorage medium, such as: a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape; amagneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk; or a solid statemedium such as a memory card or other package that houses one or moreread-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or otherre-writable (volatile) memories. A digital file attachment to email orother self-contained information archive or set of archives isconsidered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storagemedium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangiblestorage medium or distribution medium, as listed herein and includingart-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the softwareimplementations herein are stored.

The many features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from thedetailed specification, and, thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the disclosure which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, and,accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of programming access point namesettings using a data connection setting application implemented on awireless device, comprising: accessing, at the data connection settingapplication operating on the wireless device, specifications thatcomprise at least the access point name settings correlated to one orboth of the wireless device and a wireless provider in response to atleast one of the following: a SIM card has been replaced in the wirelessdevice, the wireless device is powered on, or upon selection by a user;accessing wireless device settings from a memory of the wireless deviceusing the data connection setting application operating on the wirelessdevice, the wireless device settings comprising at least access pointname settings; determining, using the data connection settingapplication operating on the wireless device, that the specificationsand the accessed wireless device settings that comprise at least theaccess point name settings are not compatible by comparing the wirelessdevice settings accessed to the specifications, the specifications beingspecific to the wireless device for a wireless network; generating, on adisplay of the wireless device using the data connection settingapplication operating on the wireless device, instructions to a user tochange wireless device settings of the wireless device that comprise atleast the access point name settings when the wireless device settingsare not compatible; receiving in the wireless device new wireless devicesettings that comprise at least the access point name settings;receiving, at the data connection setting application operating on thewireless device, inputs from a user in response to the instructions onthe display that comprises the new wireless device settings thatcomprise at least the access point name settings; configuring thewireless device with the data connection settings application operatingon the wireless device with the new wireless device settings thatcomprise at least the access point name settings; and storing the newwireless device settings of the wireless device that comprise at leastthe access point name settings, wherein the inputs from a user includedata associated with the access point name settings copied from adatabase of the data connection setting application operating on thewireless device.
 2. The method of programming access point name settingsof claim 1, wherein the determination that the specifications associatedwith access point name settings and the accessed wireless devicesettings are not compatible is made by accessing a database includingwireless device access point name settings recorded for different typesof wireless devices.
 3. The method of programming access point namesettings of claim 1, additionally comprising: starting the dataconnection setting application operating on the wireless device upondetection of replacement of a SIM card, wherein the configuring thewireless device with the new wireless device settings is executed toenable use of one or more of the following: a wireless data service, awireless multimedia messaging service, a wireless short message service,and a wireless airtime service.
 4. The method of programming accesspoint name settings of claim 1, additionally comprising: prompting theuser to authorize downloading of updates of the data connection settingapplication.
 5. The method of programming access point name settings ofclaim 4, wherein the updates include updated databases includingwireless device settings.
 6. The method of programming access point namesettings of claim 1, wherein at least some data associated with theaccess point name settings is received from the SIM card loaded on thewireless device.
 7. The method of programming access point name settingsof claim 6, wherein the data associated with the access point namesettings received from the SIM card is transmitted automatically to thedata connection setting application operating on the wireless device. 8.The method of programming access point name settings of claim 1, furthercomprising: storing, in a memory of the wireless device, userinformation associated with at least one or both of a user and awireless service subscription.
 9. The method of programming access pointname settings of claim 8, further comprising: transmitting the storeduser information to the data connection setting application on thewireless device.
 10. The method of programming access point namesettings of claim 9, additionally comprising: presenting, on the displayof the wireless device and using the data connection settingapplication, of at least some of the stored user information to the userfor a confirmation.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the wirelessdevice comprises one of the following: a mobile phone, a smart phone, atablet, and a PDA.
 12. The method of programming access point namesettings of claim 1, wherein: at least some data associated with theaccess point name settings is received from the SIM card loaded on thewireless device; the data associated with the access point name settingsreceived from the SIM card is transmitted automatically to the dataconnection setting application operating on the wireless device; and thedetermination that the specifications associated with access point namesettings and the accessed wireless device settings are not compatible ismade by accessing a database including wireless device access point namesettings recorded for different types of wireless devices.
 13. Themethod of programming access point name settings of claim 1,additionally comprising: starting the data connection settingapplication operating on the wireless device upon detection ofreplacement of a SIM card; and prompting the user to authorizedownloading of updates of the data connection setting application,wherein the updates include updated databases including wireless devicesettings.
 14. The method of programming access point name settings ofclaim 1, further comprising: storing, in a memory of the wirelessdevice, user information associated with at least one or both of a userand a wireless service subscription; transmitting the stored userinformation to the data connection setting application on the wirelessdevice; and presenting, on the display of the wireless device and usingthe data connection setting application, of at least some of the storeduser information to the user for a confirmation, wherein the configuringthe wireless device with the new wireless device settings is executed toenable use of one or more of the following: a wireless data service, awireless multimedia messaging service, a wireless short message service,and a wireless airtime service.
 15. A wireless device comprising atleast one processor in communication with at least one memory, whereinthe at least one processor is configured to: access, at a dataconnection setting application operating on the wireless device and froma memory in the wireless device, specifications that comprise at leastaccess point name settings correlated to one or both of the wirelessdevice and a wireless provider in response to at least one of thefollowing: a SIM card has been replaced in the wireless device, thewireless device is powered on, or upon selection by a user; access,using the data connection setting application operating on the wirelessdevice, wireless device settings from a memory of the wireless deviceusing the data connection setting application operating on the wirelessdevice, the wireless device settings comprising at least access pointname settings; determine, using the data connection setting applicationoperating on the wireless device, that the specifications and theaccessed wireless device settings that comprise at least the accesspoint name settings are not compatible by comparing the wireless devicesettings accessed to the specifications, the specifications beingspecific to the wireless device for a wireless network; generate, on adisplay of the wireless device and using the data connection settingapplication operating on the wireless device, an indication to a user tochange wireless device settings of the wireless device that comprise atleast the access point name settings when the wireless device settingsare not compatible; receive an input, from a wireless device interface,by the user in response to the indication presented on the display;transfer the new wireless device settings that comprise at least theaccess point name settings stored in a memory in digital communicationwith the processor to configure the wireless device; receive in thewireless device new wireless device settings that comprise at least theaccess point name settings; configure the wireless device with the dataconnection settings application operating on the wireless device withthe new wireless device settings that comprise at least the access pointname settings; and store the new wireless device settings of thewireless device.
 16. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein the memoryincludes a memory of a SIM card that has been replaced in the wirelessdevice.
 17. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein: at least some dataassociated with the access point name settings is received from the SIMcard loaded on the wireless device; the data associated with the accesspoint name settings received from the SIM card is transmittedautomatically to the data connection setting application operating onthe wireless device; and the determination that the specificationsassociated with access point name settings and the accessed wirelessdevice settings are not compatible is made by accessing a databaseincluding wireless device access point name settings recorded fordifferent types of wireless devices.
 18. The wireless device of claim15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: execute, at thedata connection setting application operating on the wireless device, atest protocol to verify the new wireless device settings that compriseat least the access point name settings allow porting of the wirelessdevice to a network of the wireless provider.
 19. The wireless device ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: store, ina memory of the wireless device, user information associated with atleast one or both of a user and a wireless service subscription.
 20. Thewireless device of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to: control transmitting the stored user information to thedata connection setting application on the wireless device.